Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and riders! If you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe.

Today is Wednesday, December 14.

GET OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN EARLY AS A HIGH WIND WARNING GOES INTO EFFECT AT 10AM THRU TOMORROW TILL 4PM. HEAVENLY OPENS CALIFORNIA SIDE TODAY-WWP; MAMMOTH MTN FIRES UP 20 LIFTS WITH 92 RUNS OPEN; MT ROSE IS CLOSED TODAY DUE TO HIGH WINDS; UPPER MTN AT SQUAW IS CLOSED DUE TO WINDS; SUMMIT SIX AT ALPINE IS CLOSED DUE TO HIGH WINDS…

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of rain and snow in the morning, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Snow level 8500 feet. Highs: 49F to 59F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph increasing to 65 mph in the afternoon. Ridge gusts up to 120 mph.

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain after midnight. Lows :31F to 36F. Southwest winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Ridge gusts up to 130 mph.

THURSDAY: Chance of rain and snow in the morning, then rain and snow in the afternoon. Snow level 8000 to 8500 feet. Snow accumulation up to 6 inches. Highs: 44F to 54F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Ridge gusts up to 110 mph increasing to 125 mph in the afternoon.

HIGH WIND WARNING:
HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 PM PST THURSDAY…
TIMING: SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TODAY AND CONTINUE THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON. THE STRONGEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING.
WINDS: SOUTHWEST 25 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS 65 TO 70 MPH. GUSTS OVER 80 MPH LIKELY IN WIND PRONE AREAS AROUND RENO…CARSON CITY AND MINDEN. SIERRA RIDGE GUSTS UP TO 130 MPH.
LAKE TAHOE: DANGEROUS LIFE THREATENING BOATING CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITH WAVE HEIGHTS 3 TO 7 FEET.
IMPACTS: WINDS OF THIS MAGNITUDE HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO DAMAGE TREES…POWER LINES AND ROOFS. STRONG CROSS WINDS WILL CREATE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS WITH ROAD CLOSURES POSSIBLE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
NOW IS THE TIME TO SECURE LOOSE OUTDOOR ITEMS SUCH AS HOLIDAY DECORATIONS AND TRASH CANS BEFORE WINDS INCREASE WHICH COULD BLOW THESE ITEMS AWAY. THE BEST THING TO DO IS PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME BY MAKING SURE YOU HAVE EXTRA FOOD AND WATER ON HAND, FLASHLIGHTS WITH SPARE BATTERIES AND/OR CANDLES IN THE EVENT OF A POWER OUTAGE.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in layers with your Gore-Tex Windproof-Waterproof Jacket or outer Shell. Take a hat, beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear good yellow or rose tinted lens Goggles and warm gloves. Don’t forget to Stay Hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Variable with a mixture of Natural Snow & Machine Made. Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Snow and Some Areas of Firm Packed Snow.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Stay on designated Opened Trails only. Keep an eye out for marked and unmarked obstacles. Slow Down and observe safety signs on trails with high concentration of skiers and riders… Know the Code! Always stay in control. Be able to avoid objects and people in your Path! Please stop to side of the run where it is safe and always check uphill for skiers and riders before restarting down hill. IF YOU VENTURE IN TO THE BACK COUNTRY “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!” For more info: http://sierraavalanchecenter.org

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is opening California Side today. They are reporting a base of 20-23”. 16 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP including Mountain Access from the Gondola, Aerial Tram & Gunbarrel at California Base & Stagecoach Base: 8 Lifts & Tows in California and 8 Lifts & Tows in Nevada. 30 Runs are open (21MG) including Orion’s, Dipper & Lil Dipper. Comet T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 32F / PCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). (Hwy 207:) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50:) Is open reporting on a base depth of 15-29”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, including Grandview Express to the top, Easy Rider Express, Rock Garden, Nob Hill & West Bowl open. 30 trails are open (23MG), Plus Broadway Park. (MG & SKRPP / 37F / MCldy / Lt Winds). Blizzard Mtn. Snow Tubing & Snow Play Areas open today. For more info call: 530-659-7475 / www.sierraattahoe.com

HOPE VALLEY OUTDOORS / CROSS COUNTRY: (Hwy 88/89:) Luther Pass – Pickett’s Junction:) Is waiting on snow and will open when conditions permit. For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 88:) is open reporting a base depth of 25-38”. 8 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Chairs #1 & #2, Chair #5 & Chair #11 & Chair #6 open out of the Village. Plus, TC Express #7 & Chair #9 open with Timer Creek Lodge access. 32 runs are open (22MG). Bandit T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 34F / MCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is also open with 12km of track in the Meadow. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28:) Is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. They are scheduled to open on Dec. 15. Mid Week and Full Season Passes are available from $69 to $469. Hosting Pass Holders Party with Film “Here and Now” on December 16. For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R1) Is CLOSED TODAY DUE TO PROJECTED STRONG DAMAGING WINDS… /// reports 2” of new on a base of 40”. 0 lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Wizard, Galena, Flying Jenny & Lakeview. Plus, Northwest 6 & Blazing Zephyr on Slide Bowl Side for top to bottom skiing & riding. 42 runs are open (38MG). (MG & SKRPP/ MCldy /29F / STRONG Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) is open reporting 2” of new on a base depth of 18-27”. 12 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) with Front Side, Back Side & Lookout Mtn open. 23 Runs are open (19MG). Pinball T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 37F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Center is CLOSED. The Village Ice Rink is open 12-9pm. Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is open. They report a base depth of 12-246”. 3 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 1 run open. (MGPP / MCldy / 39F / Lt Winds) Unrestricted Season Passes available for downhill skiing from $159 to $304. Or Combine downhill with XC from $79 to $419.

TAHOE DONNER XC: is Closed due to rain washing away most of the snow coverage. ( MCldy / 39F / Lt Winds). No Dogs allowed today. For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is open and reports a base depth of 30”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4) with Castle Peak Quad, 49er Chair, Nugget Chair & Accelerator to the top open till 9:00pm. They have 20 runs open (7MG) & 2 Small Parks open with 11 features. (MG & SKRPP / MCldy / 38F / Lt-Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park open (10-4). Call Ahead. Woodward Tahoe training open daily. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: (I-80 to Hwy 40:) Is Closed midweek to reopen on Friday, Dec. 16. They have a base of 20”. 1 Chair, Lion’s Head will operate (10-4) with 1 run open. Plus, Planet Kids… Lil’ Mamma’s Carpet, Planet Kids & Tube Carousel open as well as Tube Town will operate. (MG/ MCldy / 24F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80 to Hwy 40:) Is CLOSED (8:30-4). Rain and standing water has deteriorated the snow pack. (Cldy / 34F / Lt Winds). They are North America’s Largest Cross Country Skiing Resort offering 8 distinct Trail Systems, 9 different Warming Huts over 6000 Acres of terrain. 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT: (I-80 to Hwy 40:) Is Open! They report 1” of new on a Base of 12-24”. 3 Lifts & Access Gondola are scheduled to turn (9-4), to offer top to bottom skiing & riding, including Mt. Lincoln, Christmas Tree & Nob Hill. 22 Runs are open (13MG). (MG & SKRPP / Cldy / 34F / Lt-Mod Winds). Access will be from the Judah Portal & Gondola. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

DONNER SKI RANCH: (Hwy 40:) is CLOSED this week. They plan to start full time operation on Dec. 16. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) is now Open! They report a base depth of 14-26”. 3 Surface Lifts will operate (9-4) with 4 beginner runs open. (MG / PCldy / 38F / Lt Winds). Season Passes range from $219 for Child to $589 Adult. For more info: Guest services: 530-525-2992. Snow Phone: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com

GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) Ski & Snowboard will open in December 16, or when conditions permit. Their Sledding & Snow Play is Closed and is scheduled to open Dec 16. (9-4:30). ( MCldy/ 40F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28:) Is CLOSED – They will reopen as conditions permit. (MClear / 30F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28, Tahoe City) Will continue to be operated by Tahoe XC with TCPUD. XC Trails, Snow Play are Closed. The new Ice Rink is open, Sunday-Thursdays (12-9pm) Friday-Saturday (10am-10pm). For more info: 530-583-1516 / www.wintersportspark.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS: (Hwy 89:) Reports a base of 35”. 7 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Kangaroo, Roundhouse, Hot Wheels & Big Carpet & [ Summit Six on WIND HOLD]. 17 Runs are open (8MG). (MG & SKRPP / 33F / Lt Snow / Mod Winds). Squaw-Alpine Express Shuttle Running between resorts offered. For more info: 530-581-8374 / www.skialpine.com

*SQUAW VALLEY: (Hwy 89:) is open reporting a base of 25”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 7 lifts from the lower mountain including [Aerial Tram & The Funitel CLOSED DUE TO WIND], Far East, [Red Dog & Squaw Creek WIND HOLD]; Plus 4 tows in the SnoVentures- Squaw Kids Beginners Area open. And, All Upper Mountain Lifts CLOSED DUE TO WIND including Belmont, Bailey’s, Big Blue, Gold Coast & Shirley Express (9-3:30). 6 Trails open (6MG). Gold Coast T-Park open if accessible. (MG & SKRPP / 31F / Lt Snow / Mod Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is open and reports a base ranging from 30-84”. Top to Bottom Skiing & Riding is offered with 20 Lifts scheduled to operation (8:30-4)-WWP, with 23 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, including Lower & Upper Panorama Gondola. Plus, Village Gondola & 5 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, And 1 Lift out of Eagle Lodge. 92 Trails are open (60+MG), Plus the Main & Forest Trail Terrain Parks. (MG & SKRPP / 33F / PCldy / Strong Winds). 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is scheduled to open on December 14 or when conditions permit. For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA: is scheduled to open on December 16. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 #5 / www.yosemitepark.com/dailysnowreport.aspx

DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108) Will open when conditions permit. They received 16” of snow from the last storm. Adult Season Passes available for $479 thru November 30. For more info – Snow Phone: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4 – Ebbetts Pass) Is Closed Midweek and reopen daily for the season on Dec. 17. (MG PP / MClear / 27F / Lt Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4) Is Open and reports a base depth of 6-12”. 3 trails are open = 4km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are Closed today (9-4). ( MCldy / 29F / Lt Winds). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

**CONDITIONS REPORTED AS OF 8:00AM AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WIND AND WEATHER.
CURENT ROAD CONDITIONS:
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required: Hwy 431 over Mt. Rose
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires:
All Other Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open and Free of Controls. Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com

Buckle Up and Drive Safely… Always Carry Tire Chains unless you drive a 4WD or AWD Vehicle with Snow Tires. You can call 5-11 for updates or directly to both Caltrans and NDOT or source updated information at their websites.
CALIFORNIA: 800-427-7623 / www.dot.ca.gov
NEVADA: 877-NV-ROADS or 5-1-1 / www.nvroads.com

For more on biking and skiing in Lake Tahoe, visit www.bikeandskitahoe.com.